Tool Handle

ABSTRACT

A one-piece injection molded tool handle having a body with a tang end for attaching to a tool and a handle end with a D-handle molded to the body. The body has a hollow defined by an inside generally frustoconical surface extending from the tang end outwardly to the handle end and diverges outwardly at an angle of about 1/2°. The outside surface of the body is defined by a first outside generally frustoconical surface extending from the tang end and diverges downwardly and outwardly at an angle of about 3/4° toward the handle end. A second outside surface extends from the first frustoconical outside surface to the handle end and diverges outwardly at an angle of about 1/4 degree. The frustoconical surfaces result in the wall of the handle being thickest at an intermediate part of the handle. A cylindrical tool receiving extension is integrally attached to the tang end of the handle body. The D-shaped handle is offset from an extension of the walls defining the frustoconical surface by about two inches.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to handles for tools such as spades,shovels, pitchforks, hoes, rakes or the like, and more particularly to aone-piece injection molded hollow thermoplastic handle particularlysuited for use with such tools.

Tool handles, whether made from wood, metal or plastic and whether madeof solid material or of tubular or other hollow construction, aresubject to breakage at the point of maximum stress imposed during usewhich is usually at an intermediate part of the handle between the endand hand grip end. The tubes of tubular handles were inclined tocollapse and thus fail at or about a midpoint of the handle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant has discovered that by injection molding a tubular handlemember with a wall thickness greatest at the location about midwaybetween the handle ends where greater stress occurs during use, astronger lighter weight handle results than previous handles. The handleis injection molded using a core and a D-handle is offset about twoinches to one side of the core to allow clearance for the core used inmolding the handle allowing the core to be pulled out of the hollow endof the handle. This also provides a convenient position for the D-handlerelative to the handle body during use of the tool.

A user exerts the largest force on a shovel handle at about the centerof the handle while shoveling. The handle disclosed herein is designedto provide the greatest wall thickness, and therefore the greateststrength, at the part of greatest stress which is at the center of thehandle. The diameter of the hollow in the handle gradually andconstantly increases from the tang end to the handle end. This "draft"is required to permit the extraction of the core after the part ismolded. The outside diameter of the handle is tapered at a first anglefrom the D-handle to approximately the mid point of the handle. Theoutside diameter of the handle is tapered inward at a second angle fromthe mid point of the handle to the tool end. Thus, the wall thickness ofthe handle gradually increases from the ends of the handle to about themid point. From the mid point to the tool end of the handle, theexterior diameter constantly decreases at a greater rate than theinterior diameter decreases so that the wall thickness decreases in bothdirections from the mid point.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved handle.

It is another object of the invention to provide an offset D-handle withthe grip sufficiently offset from the end of the part to allow the coreto be pulled out of the molded part.

It is another object of the invention to provide a one-piece hollowinjection molded handle cored from one end.

It is another object of the invention to provide a handle with a wallthickest near the middle of the handle and which tapers inward towardboth ends.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a hollow toolhandle that has a wall thickness greater at the mid point than atpositions spaced from the mid point between the handle ends.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shovel with ahollow handle and a D-handle cross member that is offset from the centerline of the hollow handle sufficient to allow a core used in aninjection molding process to be withdrawn from the handle.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tool handlethat is simple in construction, economical to manufacture and simple andefficient to use.

With the above and other objects in view, the present invention consistsof the combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter more fullydescribed, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and more particularlypointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that changes maybe made in the form, size, proportions and minor details of constructionwithout departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantagesof the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S).

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the handle according tothe invention.

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of a handle taken at aright angle to the handle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross sectional view of an end of thehandle with an insert shown in phantom in it.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged end view of the insert.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S).

Now with more particular reference to the drawings, tool handle 10 hasgenerally cylindrical body 12. Body 12 has hollow 13, center line 15,handle end 14 and tang end 16. Hollow 13 is larger at tang end 16 thanat the handle end and support means is attached to tang end 11.

Hollow 13 is defined by generally frustoconical inside surface 26extending from tang end 16 and diverges outwardly and toward handle end14 at a first angle of about one-half degree. Inside surface 26terminates at tang end 16 in annular internal shoulder 34. Reduced-size,hollow, cylindrical tool receiving extension member 17, acts as a toolsupport means having cylindrical outer surface 27 and is integrallyattached to tang end 16. Snap retainer lug 29 and orientation keys 23are circumferentially spaced from each other and are integrally attachedto cylindrical outer surface 27. Tool 19 which may be a snow shovel isreceived on extension member 17. Extension member 17 constitutes a toolattaching means.

Frustoconical first outside surface 28, on body 12, extends from tangend 16 outwardly and toward handle end 14 at a second angle of aboutthree-fourths of one degree, to frustoconical second outside surface 30at midpoint 31 at handle 12. Second outside surface 30 extends fromfirst outside surface 28 outwardly to handle end 14 at a third angle ofabout one-fourth degree to the center line 15 of body 12. D-handlemember 18 is made up of side members 20,22 and grip 24. Side members20,22 are molded to handle end 14. Grip 24 extends between side members20,22 and is integrally attached to the distal end of side members20,22. Cross member or grip 24 is offset from center line 15 of body 12about two inches, sufficient to allow core 25, used to mold hollow 13 inbody 12, to be withdrawn past grip 24.

Insert 40 is a separate part and may be inserted from handle end 14. Itis telescopically received in hollow 13 of body 12. Insert 40 is anelongated member having tapered first end part 42 made to fit snuglyinside hollow 13 of body 12.

Insert 40 is generally H-shaped in cross section with spaced slots 45extending from end to end and flat sides 48. Outside surface 11 fitsinto internal frustoconical surface 26 of the handle body 12. A toolsuch as a shovel 19 can be supported on extension 46.

Insert 40 has external shoulders 44 that rest on annular internalshoulder 34 of body 12. Reduced size end 46, of insert 40, is integrallyattached to first end part 42 at external shoulder 44. Reduced size end46 of insert 40 may be received in a handle cavity in a tool 19 such asa shovel, fork or the like. Insert 40 acts as a reinforcement andextension of tang end 16 of handle 10.

As an example of a handle made according to the invention, the wallthickness at the tang end could be 0.198 inches, the first outsidesurface could meet the second outside surface at a point 14 inches fromtang end 16 and 17 inches from the handle end 14. The tool receivingextension could be 3 inches long and received in shovel 19.

The foregoing specification sets forth the invention in its preferred,practical forms but the structure shown is capable of modificationwithin a range of equivalents without departing from the invention whichis to be understood is broadly novel as is commensurate with theappended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A handle for a tool;saidhandle comprising a handle body having a handle end and a tang end; ahollow having a center line in said handle body extending from said tangend to said handle end; a tool support means on said tang end to attachsaid tool to said handle; a D-handle having a cross member and sidemembers integrally attached to said cross member and integrally attachedto said handle end; said handle body being injection molded using aremovable core inside said hollow; said core being withdrawable axiallyfrom said hollow; said cross member being offset from said center linesufficient to allow said core to be withdrawn from said hollow past saidcross member.
 2. The handle recited in claim 1 wherein said tool supportmeans comprises a hollow cylindrical extension member integrallyattached to said tang end; and,said extension member supporting a toolthereon.
 3. A one-piece injection molded handle having a body;said bodyhaving a handle end and a tang end; a hollow in said handle, extendingfrom said handle end to said tang end; a D-handle on said handle end ofsaid body having a cross member; said hollow being larger at said handleend for allowing an injection molding core to be withdrawn from saidhollow; a tool support means on said tang end for attaching a tool; saidhandle having a wall thickness at a position spaced from said tang endand from said handle end thicker than the wall thickness at said tangend and at said handle end.
 4. The handle recited in claim 3 whereinsaid handle body has a first outside surface and a second outsidesurface tapering inward from an intermediate position toward said tangend and tipping inward from said intermediate position toward saidhandle end whereby said handle has a wall thickness greater at saidintermediate position and decreasing toward said handle end and towardsaid tang end.
 5. A handle body for a tool comprising an elongatedbody;said handle having a handle end, a tang end and a tool attachingmeans on said tang end; said body having a hollow space defined by afrustoconical shaped inside surface having a center line extendingoutwardly and from said tang end toward said handle end at a first angleto said center line; said body having a frustoconical first outsidesurface extending outwardly from said tang end and toward said handleend at a second angle to said center line; said first angle beingsmaller than said second angle; said body having a frustoconical secondoutside surface extending outwardly from said first outside surface andtoward said handle end at a third angle to said center line; said thirdangle being greater than said first angle but smaller than said secondangle whereby said handle has a wall thickness intermediate to said endsof said body greater than the wall thickness at said handle end andgreater than the wall thickness at said tang end.
 6. The handle recitedin claim 5 wherein said first angle is smaller than said second anglebut larger than said third angle; and,said second angle is larger thansaid third angle whereby said body has a wall thickness intermediate tosaid ends of said body greater than the wall thickness at said handleend and greater than the wall thickness at said tang end.
 7. The handlerecited in claim 6 wherein said first angle is about 1/2°;said secondangle is about 3/4°; and, said third angle is about 1/4°.
 8. A handlebody for a tool comprising an elongated body;said handle having a handleend, a tang end and a tool attaching means on said tang end; said bodyhaving a hollow space defined by a frustoconical shaped inside surfacehaving a center line extending outwardly and from said tang end towardsaid handle end at a first angle to said center line; said body having afrustoconical first outside surface extending outwardly from said tangend and toward said handle end at a second angle to said center line;said first angle being smaller than said second angle; said body havinga frustoconical second outside surface extending outwardly from saidfirst outside surface and toward said handle end at a third angle tosaid center line; said third angle being greater than said first anglebut smaller than said second angle whereby said handle has a wallthickness intermediate to said ends of said body greater than the wallthickness at said handle end and greater than the wall thickness at saidtang end, said first angle is smaller than said second angle but largerthan said third angle; and, said second angle is larger than said thirdangle whereby said body has a wall thickness intermediate to said endsof said body greater than the wall thickness at said handle end andgreater than the wall thickness at said tang end, a grip is fixed tosaid handle; said grip having spaced side members integrally attached tosaid handle end and integrally attached to said grip; and, said gripbeing disposed out of alignment with a center line of said body wherebya molding core can be removed from said hollow past said grip.
 9. Thehandle recited in claim 8 wherein said inside surface terminatesadjacent said tang end at an annular internal shoulder; and,an elongatedinsert is telescopically received in said hollow engaging said internalshoulder to reinforce said handle.
 10. An elongated tubular one-piecehandle for a tool having a body having a center line;said handle havinga handle end and a tang end; a D-handle member integrally attached tosaid handle end of said body; said body having a hollow therein; saidD-handle member having side members and a grip; said side members beingintegrally attached to said handle end of said body; said grip beingintegrally attached to said side members; and, said grip being offsetfrom said center line of said handle of said hollow sufficient for acore, used to mold said handle, to be withdrawn from said hollow pastsaid D-handle member.
 11. The handle recited in claim 10 wherein saidhollow is defined by a frustoconical surface having a small end of saidfrustonical surface adjacent said tang end and inclined outwardly andtoward said handle end.
 12. The handle recited in claim 11 wherein ahollow cylindrical tool receiving extension member is integrallyattached to said tang end; and,said extension member having acylindrical outer surface being inserted into a handle receiving openingin said tool.
 13. A handle body for a tool comprising an elongatedbody;said handle having a handle end, a tang end and a tool attachingmeans on said tang end; said body having a hollow space defined by afrustoconical shaped inside surface having a center line extendingoutwardly and from said tang end toward said handle end at a first angleto said center line; said body having a frustoconical first outsidesurface extending outwardly from said tang end and toward said handleend at a second angle to said center line; said first angle beingsmaller than said second angle; said body having a frustoconical secondoutside surface extending outwardly from said first outside surface andtoward said handle end at a third angle to said center line; said thirdangle being greater than said first angle but smaller than said secondangle whereby said handle has a wall thickness intermediate to said endsof said body greater than the wall thickness at said handle end andgreater than the wall thickness at said tang end, said first angle issmaller than said second angle but larger than said third angle; and,said second angle is larger than said third angle whereby said body hasa wall thickness intermediate to said ends of said body greater than thewall thickness at said handle end and greater than the wall thickness atsaid tang end, a grip is fixed to said handle; said grip having spacedside members integrally attached to said handle end and integrallyattached to said grip; said grip being disposed out of alignment with acenter line of said body whereby a molding core can be removed from saidhollow past said grip; said inside surface terminates adjacent said tangend at an annular internal shoulder; an elongated insert istelescopically received in said hollow engaging said internal shoulderto reinforce said handle; and, said grip is offset from said hollow insaid handle by about two inches.
 14. A handle body for a tool comprisingan elongated body;said handle having a handle end, a tang end and a toolattaching means on said tang end; said body having a hollow spacedefined by a frustoconical shaped inside surface having a center lineextending outwardly and from said tang end toward said handle end at afirst angle to said center line; said body having a frustoconical firstoutside surface extending outwardly from said tang end and toward saidhandle end at a second angle to said center line; said first angle beingsmaller than said second angle; said body having a frustoconical secondoutside surface extending outwardly from said first outside surface andtoward said handle end at a third angle to said center line; said thirdangle being greater than said first angle but smaller than said secondangle whereby said handle has a wall thickness intermediate to said endsof said body greater than the wall thickness at said handle end andgreater than the wall thickness at said tang end, said first angle issmaller than said second angle but larger than said third angle; and,said second angle is larger than said third angle whereby said body hasa wall thickness intermediate to said ends of said body greater than thewall thickness at said handle end and greater than the wall thickness atsaid tang end, a grip is fixed to said handle; said grip having spacedside members integrally attached to said handle end and integrallyattached to said grip; said grip being disposed out of alignment with acenter line of said body whereby a molding core can be removed from saidhollow past said grip; said inside surface terminates adjacent said tangend at an annular internal shoulder; an elongated insert istelescopically received in said hollow engaging said internal shoulderto reinforce said handle; and, an internal shoulder is attached to saidbody adjacent said tang end; an elongated extension member having anexternal shoulder engaging said first mentioned shoulder and disposed insaid body and extends into a tool supported on said handle.